The What, Who and How of Microdermabrasion

What is Microdermabrasion?

It is a non-invasive treatment used to treat skin by removing the superficial layer of dead, dry, skin cells and exfoliating the skin. Most people have heard of it but don’t really understand what it is. While it is a cosmetic procedure it is best discussed with your dermatologist. Microdermabrasion uses small crystals or diamonds to polish your skin. It is typically used to treat acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Essentially, it is removing the outermost layer of skin to reveal younger, healthier looking skin.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Healthy adults with minor skin conditions and realistic expectations of what a noninvasive procedure can do are good candidates. It is not recommended for people with “deep scars, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, a recent herpes outbreak, warts on the face, active acne (stages 3 and 4), an autoimmune system disorder, or unstable diabetes” also pregnant women should not undergo microdermabrasion. If you’ve had recent treatments such as tanning, waxing, or collagen injections you should wait a few weeks before receiving microdermabrasion and other more intensive procedures should be considered if you have deep scars or moderate to severe skin defects.

What Are Its Benefits?

The benefits to microdermabrasion include that it is safe, noninvasive, nonsurgical, quick (less than 30 minutes), and painless! It reduces or eliminates fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging. It will improve acne scars and other light scarring and will give your skin a healthy looking glow making you feel and look younger and healthier. It stimulates collagen production and rejuvenation improving tone, texture, and color of treated areas. Since it utilizes non-allergenic crystals it has no known side effects and is a great option for people with sensitive skin to improve the pores. Additional benefits include improvements to oily or dull skin, enlarged pores, clogged pores, fine lines, mild acne scars, uneven pigmentation, poor skin texture, and enhanced circulation and lymph flow “promoting the internal health of the skin” (docshop.com/education/dermatology/microdermabraion). Be sure to go to a certified skin care professional to have this procedure done to ensure minimal risks. Risks arise from “unsterile conditions and improper application of the procedure”. Improper application can led to pin-point bleeding which means the procedure was done too aggressively.

How Much Does it Cost?

Costs vary depending on the qualifications of your technician and the location whether it be a spa or clinic. On average, costs range from $75 to $200. These costs also vary depending on how much microdermabrasion procedure one needs, the number of treatments, your geographical location, and fees of the treating physician. It is less expensive than invasive procedures for example facial rejuvenation or surgical options such as face lifts.

The bottom line

Many people choose microdermabrasion over other chemical peels and laser treatments because it is safer and more cost effective. If this is something you’ve heard about or considered talk to your aesthetician or dermatologist today. Be sure to ask them about their training because results have been linked with the technicians expertise!